The First Invasion (Power Button #1)

Ten-year-old Kaz is an only child who lives with his parents in a triangular-shaped house in the middle of the woods in Oregon. Truly, his older cousin from L.A., is going to be staying with Kaz and his family for a few weeks while her superstar musician parents work things out in their relationship. While exploring in the woods, Kaz and Truly find a hideout with evidence that Kaz's parents used to be secret adventurer spies, and then they accidentally summon a superhero robot. In the meantime, a galactic villain is sent to conquer Earth as punishment and hones in on a signal that Kaz and Truly activated. This is a humorous, action-packed graphic novel filled with robot fights, galactic Horde invaders, and good versus evil battles to save the fate of Earth. The teal-and-purple color palette make this book stand out. Truly is African American and Kaz is white. Kaz, who wears large glasses, shares with Truly that he has only 60-70% of his vision (a number that could get progressively worse as he ages) when she inquires about him using a cane outside. VERDICT A fun action/adventure graphic novel with engaging art. Readers will eagerly await the next installment.—Marissa Lieberman